Gathering universal serial bus threat intelligence

ABSTRACT

A method includes: detecting, by a computing device, connection of a universal serial bus device to a computer; determining, by the computing device, that the computer is in a locked mode; detecting, by the computer device, input to the computer within a predetermined time of detecting the connection; determining, by the computing device as a result of the computer being locked and detecting the input, that the input is a threat to the computer; creating, by the computing device, a temporary virtual environment; receiving, by the computing device, the input into the temporary virtual environment; processing, by the computing device, the input in the temporary virtual environment; and recording, by the computing device, information related to the input.

BACKGROUND

Aspects of the present invention relate generally to computer securitythreats and, more particularly, to gathering intelligence regardinguniversal serial bus (USB) threats.

USB devices are commonly used with many computer systems. USB devicessuch as, for example, USB human interactive devices (HID) plug into acomputer system or other computer device by way of a USB port. There areseveral common standard USB ports including USB A, USB B, USB C, USBOTG, Mini USB, Micro USB, and Lightning Cable. USB HID devices includememory sticks or drives, pointer devices, keyboards, printers, monitors,and other devices.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect of the invention, there is a computer-implementedmethod including: detecting, by a computing device, connection of auniversal serial bus device to a computer; determining, by the computingdevice, that the computer is in a locked mode; detecting, by thecomputer device, input to the computer within a predetermined time ofdetecting the connection; determining, by the computing device as aresult of the computer being locked and detecting the input, that theinput is a threat to the computer; creating, by the computing device, atemporary virtual environment; receiving, by the computing device, theinput into the temporary virtual environment; processing, by thecomputing device, the input in the temporary virtual environment; andrecording, by the computing device, information related to the input.

In another aspect of the invention, there is a computer program productincluding one or more computer readable storage media having programinstructions collectively stored on the one or more computer readablestorage media. The program instructions are executable to: detectconnection of a universal serial bus device to a computer; determinethat the computer is in a locked mode; detect input to the computerwithin a predetermined time of detecting the connection; determine, as aresult of the computer being locked and detecting the input, that theinput is a threat to the computer; create a temporary virtualenvironment; receive the input into the temporary virtual environment;and process the input in the temporary virtual environment.

In another aspect of the invention, there is system including aprocessor, a computer readable memory, one or more computer readablestorage media, and program instructions collectively stored on the oneor more computer readable storage media. The program instructions areexecutable to: detect connection of a universal serial bus device to acomputer; determine that the computer is in a locked mode; detect inputto the computer within a predetermined time of detecting the connection;determine, as a result of the computer being locked and detecting theinput, that the input is a threat to the computer; create a temporaryvirtual environment; receive the input into the temporary virtualenvironment; and process the input in the temporary virtual environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention are described in the detaileddescription which follows, in reference to the noted plurality ofdrawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a cloud computing node according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a cloud computing environment according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts abstraction model layers according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an exemplary environment in accordancewith aspects of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method in accordance withaspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention relate generally to computer securitythreats and, more particularly, to gathering intelligence regardinguniversal serial bus (USB) threats. According to aspects of theinvention a computing device detects the connection of a USB device to alocked computer and creates a temporary virtual environment to monitorand record keystrokes and/or other input to determine if the computer issubject to a threat. In embodiments, the computing device receives theinput into the temporary virtual environment, processes the input in thetemporary virtual environment, and records information related to theinput. In this manner, implementations of the invention reduce thecomputer’s exposure to threats (attacks) through a USB port.

In embodiments, a computer-implemented process including a smart sandboxsystem (SSS) detects and gathers threat intelligence on a USB threat ona locked device. A sandbox is a virtual environment in which anapplication can be run without letting the application have access to asystem that is being protected. In embodiments, the computer-implementedprocess includes: in response to monitoring a first device while poweredon for an idle status, determining whether a USB HID is connected to thefirst device; in response to determining that the USB HID is connectedto the first device, triggering deployment of a virtual environment onthe first device; determining by the virtual environment that the USBHID represents a malicious USB threat by, in response to detecting bythe virtual environment no keystroke activity, deleting the virtualenvironment; in response to detecting by the virtual environmentkeystroke activity, recording by the virtual environment all keystrokes;comparing by the virtual environment keystrokes against known attackinformation to determine presence of a known keystroke attack; recordingby the virtual environment target specific data to determine whether thekeystroke activity was one of a random attack using informationincluding at least one of random and generic Internet protocol (IP)segments to target servers inside a particular organization and randomuser/password combinations, and a targeted attacked using informationincluding at least one of IP addresses and names of servers to betargeted, and specific and valid user/password combinations; recordingby the virtual environment potential paths leading to possibleunauthorized users using information including IP addresses where datawas targeted to be sent, server names where the data was targeted to besent and all credentials used; executing by the virtual environment thekeystroke activity to determine a target of attack including whennetwork commands are found, flagging as a network attack, when a deleteaction is detected, flagging as a data integrity attack and when anencryption action is detected, flagging as one of an availability attackand a ransomware attack; and sending by the virtual environment dummydata to the possible unauthorized user(s) to gather more threatintelligence data.

Embodiments of the invention provide improved computer protectionmethods and systems to address the technical problem of reducingunauthorized access to a computer through a USB port. Implementations ofthe invention provide new functionality enabling the continued use of“plug-n-play” devices connected to a computer’s USB port whileaddressing security concerns with USB ports. Additionally, embodimentsof the invention record information relating to a threat to the computerresulting from input received through the USB port.

It should be understood that, to the extent implementations of theinvention collect, store, or employ personal information provided by orobtained from individuals, such information shall be used in accordancewith all applicable laws concerning protection of personal information.Additionally, the collection, storage, and use of such information maybe subject to consent of the individual to such activity, for example,through “opt-in” or “opt-out” processes as may be appropriate for thesituation and type of information. Storage and use of personalinformation may be in an appropriately secure manner reflective of thetype of information, for example, through various encryption andanonymization techniques for particularly sensitive information.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product at any possible technical detail level of integration.The computer program product may include a computer readable storagemedium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereonfor causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium or media, as used herein, is not to beconstrued as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves orother freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic wavespropagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., lightpulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signalstransmitted through a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The computer readable program instructions may executeentirely on the user’s computer, partly on the user’s computer, as astand-alone software package, partly on the user’s computer and partlyon a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. Inthe latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user’scomputer through any type of network, including a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to anexternal computer (for example, through the Internet using an InternetService Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including,for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gatearrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute thecomputer readable program instructions by utilizing state information ofthe computer readable program instructions to personalize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a computer, or other programmable data processing apparatusto produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computerreadable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readablestorage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable dataprocessing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the computer readable storage medium havinginstructions stored therein comprises an article of manufactureincluding instructions which implement aspects of the function/actspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be accomplished as one step, executed concurrently,substantially concurrently, in a partially or wholly temporallyoverlapping manner, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in thereverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will alsobe noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/orflowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts orcarry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes adetailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachingsrecited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as Follows

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice’s provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider’s computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can bemonitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both theprovider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as Follows

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider’s applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail).The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloudinfrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage,or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exceptionof limited user-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as Follows

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising anetwork of interconnected nodes.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a schematic of an example of a cloud computingnode is shown. Cloud computing node 10 is only one example of a suitablecloud computing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as tothe scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the inventiondescribed herein. Regardless, cloud computing node 10 is capable ofbeing implemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forthhereinabove.

In cloud computing node 10 there is a computer system/server 12, whichis operational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframecomputer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments thatinclude any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context ofcomputer system executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributed cloudcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be locatedin both local and remote computer system storage media including memorystorage devices.

As shown in FIG. 1 , computer system/server 12 in cloud computing node10 is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. Thecomponents of computer system/server 12 may include, but are not limitedto, one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28,and a bus 18 that couples various system components including systemmemory 28 to processor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computersystem readable media. Such media may be any available media that isaccessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatileand non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g.,at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the invention.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42,may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one ormore application programs, other program modules, and program data orsome combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computersystem/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.)that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output(I/O) interfaces 22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 cancommunicate with one or more networks such as a local area network(LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g.,the Internet) via network adapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20communicates with the other components of computer system/server 12 viabus 18. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardwareand/or software components could be used in conjunction with computersystem/server 12. Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode,device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays,RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , illustrative cloud computing environment 50 isdepicted. As shown, cloud computing environment 50 comprises one or morecloud computing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used bycloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA)or cellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C,and/or automobile computer system 54N may communicate. Nodes 10 maycommunicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physicallyor virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community,Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combinationthereof. This allows cloud computing environment 50 to offerinfrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloudconsumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computingdevice. It is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-N shownin FIG. 2 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes10 and cloud computing environment 50 can communicate with any type ofcomputerized device over any type of network and/or network addressableconnection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a set of functional abstraction layersprovided by cloud computing environment 50 (FIG. 2 ) is shown. It shouldbe understood in advance that the components, layers, and functionsshown in FIG. 3 are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments ofthe invention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layersand corresponding functions are provided:

Hardware and software layer 60 includes hardware and softwarecomponents. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes 61; RISC(Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers 62;servers 63; blade servers 64; storage devices 65; and networks andnetworking components 66. In some embodiments, software componentsinclude network application server software 67 and database software 68.

Virtualization layer 70 provides an abstraction layer from which thefollowing examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers71; virtual storage 72; virtual networks 73, including virtual privatenetworks; virtual applications and operating systems 74; and virtualclients 75.

In one example, management layer 80 may provide the functions describedbelow. Resource provisioning 81 provides dynamic procurement ofcomputing resources and other resources that are utilized to performtasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and Pricing 82provide cost tracking as resources are utilized within the cloudcomputing environment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of theseresources. In one example, these resources may comprise applicationsoftware licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloudconsumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources.User portal 83 provides access to the cloud computing environment forconsumers and system administrators. Service level management 84provides cloud computing resource allocation and management such thatrequired service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planningand fulfillment 85 provide pre-arrangement for, and procurement of,cloud computing resources for which a future requirement is anticipatedin accordance with an SLA.

Workloads layer 90 provides examples of functionality for which thecloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads andfunctions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping andnavigation 91; software development and lifecycle management 92; virtualclassroom education delivery 93; data analytics processing 94;transaction processing 95; and USB threat intelligence gathering 96.

Implementations of the invention may include a computer system/server 12of FIG. 1 in which one or more of the program modules 42 are configuredto perform (or cause the computer system/server 12 to perform) one ofmore functions of the USB threat intelligence gathering 96 of FIG. 3 .For example, the one or more of the program modules 42 may be configuredto: detect connection of a universal serial bus device to a computer;determine that the computer is in a locked mode; detect input to thecomputer within a predetermined time of detecting the connection;determine, as a result of the computer being locked and detecting theinput, that the input is a threat to the computer; create a temporaryvirtual environment; receive the input into the temporary virtualenvironment; process the input in the temporary virtual environment; andrecord information related to the input.

Many USB HID such as, for example, memory sticks or drives, pointerdevices, keyboards, printers, and monitors are universally accepted bycomputer systems and therefore provide a relatively simple access pointfor attacks on the computer system. A USB HID commonly tells thecomputer system what the USB HID is (a keyboard, etc.) and the computersystem commonly believes what it receives from the USB HID to be valid.This provides an easy access point for unauthorized users to inject codeinto the computer system from a USB thumb drive because the computersystem readily believes that the USB thumb drive is a keyboard or otherbenign device. Various threats leverage USB HID vulnerabilities toperform attacks on computer devices to which a USB HID is connected.Such attacks include executing malicious code, opening ports, and otherattacks. Normally, a computer needs to be unlocked (logged in to) for aUSB device to inject code into the computer to which the USB device isconnected. However, unauthorized user’s have found a way to strengthenUSB attacks by allowing the malicious code to be injected even if thecomputer is locked. One way for an unauthorized user to perform such anattack is to connect a malicious USB device to a computer when theauthorized user of the computer is away on a break, for example. In thissituation, the computer is usually ON, but locked. One way to combatsuch attacks is to disable all USB ports, which results in inconvenienceand wasted hardware in that useful USB devices can no longer be used.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an exemplary environment in accordancewith aspects of the invention. In embodiments, the environment includesa computer device 100 such as, for example, computer system/server 12 inFIG. 1 , that communicates over one or more networks 200 such as, forexample, cloud computing environment 50 of FIG. 2 . In embodiments,computer device 100 comprises a monitoring module 110 comprising, forexample, one or more of program modules 42 in FIG. 1 , and a storagedevice 130 such as, for example, storage system 34 in FIG. 1 . Inembodiments, monitoring module 110 includes a virtual environment (asandbox), such as, for example, sandbox 120. In embodiments, storagedevice 130 contains data useful to monitoring module 110 such as forexample, current information related to USB HID types, specifications,and formats. Computer device 100 may include additional or fewer modulesthan those shown in FIG. 4 . In embodiments, separate modules may beintegrated into a single module. Additionally, or alternatively, asingle module may be implemented as multiple modules. Moreover, thequantity of devices and/or networks in the environment is not limited towhat is shown in FIG. 4 . In practice, the environment may includeadditional devices and/or networks; fewer devices and/or networks;different devices and/or networks; or differently arranged devicesand/or networks than illustrated in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 4 also shows a computer 310 such as, for example, a personalcomputer or other computer connected to network 200. In embodiments,monitoring module 110 deploys sandbox 120 in computer 310 (described inmore detail below). A USB drive 320 is shown connected to computer 310.FIG. 4 also shows an external storage device 400 such as, for example,another computer device having some or all of the features of computersystem/server 12 in FIG. 1 , that is external to computer device 100 andcontains data useful to monitoring module 110 such as for example,current information related to USB HID types, specifications, andformats. In embodiments, storage device 130 and external storage devices400 are accessed by monitoring module 110.

Embodiments of the invention are based on a monitoring module, forexample monitoring module 110, that works when a device, for examplecomputer 310, is ON but idle (locked) and detects whether a USB device,for example USB drive 320 is connected. In embodiments, the connectionof USB drive 320 (or other USB device) to computer 310 when computer 310is locked will trigger monitoring module 110 to deploy a virtualenvironment (a sandbox), such as, for example, sandbox 120, that is usedby monitoring module 110 to determine if USB drive 320 is a maliciousUSB threat. In embodiments, if monitoring module 110 detects nokeystroke from computer 310 within a certain period of time of theconnection of USB drive 320, monitoring module 110 automatically deletesthe virtual environment (sandbox 120) and computer 310 resumes normaloperation. In embodiments, monitoring module 110 interprets the absenceof keystrokes as evidence that no malicious threat exists.

In embodiments, monitoring module 110 deploys a smart and temporaryvirtual environment (sandbox 120) to gather threat intelligence about apotential USB attack. In embodiments, sandbox 120 receives input fromthe unauthorized user and processes that input in a similar manner tothat of normal operation of computer 310. In embodiments, theunauthorized user is not able to distinguish operation of sandbox 120from that of normal operation of computer 310. In embodiments,monitoring module 110 sends “dummy” credentials that appear to be fromcomputer 310 (or a production server) but, instead, those credentialsare for threat intelligence gathering sandbox 120. In examples, sandbox120 records keystrokes entered by a potential unauthorized user that canbe useful in identifying the unauthorized user, the location of theunauthorized user, methods used by the unauthorized user, and otherinformation that can be useful to threat protection entities incombatting future attacks. In embodiments, monitoring module 110 sendsfake salted hashed credentials disguised as production credentials aimedto waste the unauthorized user’s time and resources (the unauthorizeduser will invest hours trying to solve the fake salted hashes that willultimately have no use at all).

In embodiments, in response to monitoring module 110 detecting inputsuch as a keystroke (a literal keystroke on a keyboard connected tocomputer 310 or a command from USB drive 320) from computer 310 within acertain time period of the connection of USB drive 320, monitoringmodule 110 deploys sandbox 120, and sandbox 120 records all keystrokesand performs some or all of the following five actions.

(1) In embodiments, monitoring module 110 compares the keystrokesagainst known attacks to determine if the keystrokes represent a knownattack.

(2) In embodiments, monitoring module 110 records target specific datato determine if the attack is a random or targeted attacked. Forexample, if the data includes internet protocol (IP) segments,monitoring module 110 determines whether these IP segments are random(and/or generic) segments, or whether they include specific IP addressesor names of servers to which computer 310 has authorized access. If theIP segments include the specific IP addresses or names of the servers tobe targeted, this is an indication that the attack involves someone withknowledge of the server names. As another example, if the data includesinternet protocol (IP) segments, monitoring module 110 determineswhether these IP segments include random user/password combinations, orwhether they include specific (and valid) user/password combinations.

(3) In embodiments, monitoring module 110 records all trails that maylead to the unauthorized users by, for example: recording all IPaddresses of targets to which the data was targeted to be sent;recording names of all servers to which the data was targeted to besent; and/or recording all credentials used.

(4) In embodiments, monitoring module 110 executes the keystroke actionsto determine the target of the attack. As examples: in embodiments, ifmonitoring module 110 finds network commands, then monitoring module 110flags the attack as a network attack; in embodiments, if monitoringmodule 110 detects a delete action, then monitoring module 110 flags theattack as a data integrity attack; and in embodiments, if monitoringmodule 110 detects an encryption action, then monitoring module 110flags the attack as an availability or ransomware attack.

(5) In embodiments, monitoring module 110 sends dummy data to theinstigator of the attack to gather more threat intelligence. Forexample, in embodiments, monitoring module 110 sends credentials thatallow access to sandbox 120, where sandbox 120 collects intelligencefrom the unauthorized user and also occupies the unauthorized user’sattention to waste the unauthorized user’s time and other resources.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method in accordance withaspects of the present invention. Steps of the method may be carried outin the environment of FIG. 4 and are described with reference toelements depicted in FIG. 4 .

At step 505, the system detects connection of a universal serial busdevice to a computer. In embodiments, and as described with respect toFIG. 4 , the monitoring module 110 detects connection of a USB device320 to computer 310.

At step 510, the system determines that the computer is in a lockedmode. In embodiments, and as described with respect to FIG. 4 ,monitoring module 110 determines that computer 310 is in a locked mode.

At step 515, the system detects input to the computer within apredetermined time of detecting the connection. In embodiments, and asdescribed with respect to FIG. 4 , monitoring module 110 detects inputto computer 310 within a predetermined time of detecting the connectionof USB device to computer 310.

At step 520, the system determines, as a result of the computer beinglocked and detecting the input, that the input is a threat to thecomputer. In embodiments, and as described with respect to FIG. 4 ,monitoring module 110 determines, as a result of computer 310 beinglocked and detecting the input, that the input is a threat to thecomputer.

At step 525, the system creates a temporary virtual environment. Inembodiments, and as described with respect to FIG. 4 , monitoring module110 creates sandbox 120.

At step 530, the system receives the input into the temporary virtualenvironment. In embodiments, and as described with respect to FIG. 4 ,monitoring module 110 receives the input into sandbox 120.

At step 535, the system processes the input in the temporary virtualenvironment. In embodiments, and as described with respect to FIG. 4 ,monitoring module 110 processes the input in sandbox 120.

At step 540, the system determines that the threat is targeted at aserver to which the computer has access. In embodiments, and asdescribed with respect to FIG. 4 , monitoring module 110 determines thatthe threat is targeted at a server to which computer 310 has access.

At step 545, the system records information related to the input. Inembodiments, and as described with respect to FIG. 4 , monitoring module110 records information related to the input.

At step 550, the system sends, to an instigator of the threat,credentials that allow access to the temporary virtual environment. Inembodiments, and as described with respect to FIG. 4 , monitoring module110 sends, to an instigator of the threat, credentials that allow accessto sandbox 120. These credentials appear to the instigator to becredentials to enter computer 310 and mislead the instigator intobelieving that the instigator has normally accessed computer 310 whenthe instigator has only gained access to the controlled environment ofsandbox 120.

In embodiments, a service provider could offer to perform the processesdescribed herein. In this case, the service provider can create,maintain, deploy, support, etc., the computer infrastructure thatperforms the process steps of the invention for one or more customers.These customers may be, for example, any business that uses technology.In return, the service provider can receive payment from the customer(s)under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service providercan receive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or morethird parties.

In still additional embodiments, the invention provides acomputer-implemented method, via a network. In this case, a computerinfrastructure, such as computer system/server 12 (FIG. 1 ), can beprovided and one or more systems for performing the processes of theinvention can be obtained (e.g., created, purchased, used, modified,etc.) and deployed to the computer infrastructure. To this extent, thedeployment of a system can comprise one or more of: (1) installingprogram code on a computing device, such as computer system/server 12(as shown in FIG. 1 ), from a computer-readable medium; (2) adding oneor more computing devices to the computer infrastructure; and (3)incorporating and/or modifying one or more existing systems of thecomputer infrastructure to enable the computer infrastructure to performthe processes of the invention.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: detecting, by a computingdevice, connection of a universal serial bus device to a computer;determining, by the computing device, that the computer is in a lockedmode; detecting, by the computing device, input to the computer within apredetermined time of detecting the connection; determining, by thecomputing device as a result of the computer being locked and detectingthe input, that the input is a threat to the computer; creating, by thecomputing device, a temporary virtual environment; receiving, by thecomputing device, the input into the temporary virtual environment;processing, by the computing device, the input in the temporary virtualenvironment; and recording, by the computing device, information relatedto the input.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the input compriseskeystrokes received by the computer.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe input comprises commands from the universal serial bus device. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the determining that the input is athreat comprises comparing the input to a known input, wherein the knowninput corresponds to a known threat.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising determining, by the computing device, that the threat istargeted at a server to which the computer has access.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the determining that the threat is targeted at a serverto which the computer has access comprises determining that the threatcomprises a specific internet protocol address of the server.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the recording information comprises recordingthe specific internet protocol address of the server.
 8. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the determining that the threat is targeted at a serverto which the computer has access comprises determining that the threatcomprises a specific and valid user/password combination.
 9. The methodof claim 5, wherein the recording information comprises recording a nameof the server.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending, bythe computing device and to an instigator of the threat, credentialsthat allow access to the temporary virtual environment.
 11. A computerprogram product comprising one or more computer readable storage mediahaving program instructions collectively stored on the one or morecomputer readable storage media, the program instructions executable to:detect connection of a universal serial bus device to a computer;determine that the computer is in a locked mode; detect input to thecomputer within a predetermined time of detecting the connection;determine, as a result of the computer being locked and detecting theinput, that the input is a threat to the computer; create a temporaryvirtual environment; receive the input into the temporary virtualenvironment; and process the input in the temporary virtual environment.12. The computer program product of claim 11, wherein the inputcomprises commands from the universal serial bus device.
 13. Thecomputer program product of claim 11, wherein the determining that theinput is a threat comprises comparing the input to known input, whereinthe known input corresponds to a known threat.
 14. The computer programproduct of claim 11, wherein the program instructions are furtherexecutable to determine that the threat is targeted at a server to whichthe computer has access.
 15. The computer program product of claim 11,wherein the program instructions are further executable to send, to aninstigator of the threat, credentials that allow access to the temporaryvirtual environment.
 16. A system comprising: a processor, a computerreadable memory, one or more computer readable storage media, andprogram instructions collectively stored on the one or more computerreadable storage media, the program instructions executable to: detectconnection of a universal serial bus device to a computer; determinethat the computer is in a locked mode; detect input to the computerwithin a predetermined time of detecting the connection; determine, as aresult of the computer being locked and detecting the input, that theinput is a threat to the computer; create a temporary virtualenvironment; receive the input into the temporary virtual environment;and process the input in the temporary virtual environment.
 17. Thesystem of claim 16, further comprising program instructions executableto determine that the threat is targeted at a server to which thecomputer has access.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the determiningthat the threat is targeted at a server to which the computer has accesscomprises determining that the threat comprises a specific internetprotocol address of the server.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein thedetermining that the threat is targeted at a server to which thecomputer has access comprises determining that the threat comprises aspecific and valid user/password combination.
 20. The system of claim16, further comprising program instructions executable to send, to aninstigator of the threat, credentials that allow access to the temporaryvirtual environment.